The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Journey
Every important journey begins with a few first steps in the right direction, and that includes the journey toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive foodservice industry. There’s work to be done but strides are being made, with organizations large and small making DEI a business and cultural priority. Join us for a powerful one-hour conversation with industry leaders about their own DEI journeys, and how they’re working to create transformational change.
Watch this free webcast on demand.
FCSI members and certified foodservice professionals may earn a continuing education unit by registering and viewing the webcast and then completing a short quiz.
Moderator
Dana Tanyeri
Senior Contributing Editor
Zoomba Group
Panelist
Gerry Fernandez
President + Founder
Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)
Gerry Fernandez is President and Founder of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), which he formed in 1995 while an executive at General Mills to advance diversity leadership in the foodservice and hospitality industry.
Today, MFHA has grown to become a Diversity, Equity + Inclusion (DEI) thought leader, providing tailored solutions that draw from a broad range of best practices, research and partnerships. As an affiliate of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), MFHA’s mission includes expanding economic prosperity and equality for minorities through workforce development and restaurant ownership. Its expertise is sought by more than 50 member companies who represent the most well-known brands in the industry.
Prior to forming MFHA, Gerry held leadership positions with The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, The Capital Grille and General Mills.
Panelist
Tiffany Fixter
Founder
Brewability & Pizzability
A former special education teacher, Tiffany Fixter created Brewability & Pizzability, a craft brewery and pizzeria in Englewood, Colo., specifically to create meaningful job opportunities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Named to the 2021 Forbes Next 1000 class, which recognizes “upstart entrepreneurs redefining the American dream,” Fixter focuses on accommodating and uplifting special needs staff and customers alike with features such as beer taps and menus that are color-coded and include Braille; equipment and process modifications; visual checklists and picture-based point-of-sale systems; a calming sensory break area; and a menu of adaptive tools and silverware.
Panelist
Emerald Mills
Founder
Turning Tables Tavern & Eatery, Diverse Dining
A certified trainer for the National Coalition Building Institute, Emerald Mills is also the visionary behind two Milwaukee, Wis.-based organizations. Both are dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity through food. Her first venture, Diverse Dining, provides diversity-focused training, community events and education. Turning Tables, opened in fall 2022, is a combination restaurant, incubator and teaching kitchen that offers mentorship and hands-on experience to mostly Black future chefs and restaurateurs. Its mission: to change the narrative around Black-owned restaurants and their success rate while bringing the community together for great food and hospitality.
Sponsored by:
